Florida Gators men’s basketball coach Todd Golden is currently being investigated under Title IX for alleged sexual harassment, stalking, and cyberstalking involving multiple women, including students. The investigation was initiated following a complaint sent anonymously to Gainesville media outlets and later obtained by ESPN.
The complaint, filed on Sept. 27, accused Golden, a 39-year-old married father of two, of engaging in behaviors such as sexual exploitation, sexual harassment, and stalking towards Florida students and former students. Specific allegations included sending photos and videos of his genitalia, making unwanted sexual advances on Instagram, and requesting sexual favors.
Furthermore, Golden was accused of taking photos of women without their consent and sending them to the subjects, as well as showing up at locations where he knew the women would be. University spokeswoman Cynthia Roldan Hernandez declined to provide a copy of the complaint or comment on the allegations, citing federal law requirements.
Title IX, regulated by the U.S. Department of Education, allows schools to disclose accusations of sexual harassment in a Title IX complaint if mandated by another federal or state law. However, the extent of information that must be released is determined by Florida’s state public records law.
Golden was hired by Florida in 2022 and received a two-year contract extension in March, tying him to the school until the 2029-30 season. Prior to joining Florida, he coached at San Francisco, leading the Dons to their first NCAA tournament appearance in years. He also had coaching stints at USF, Auburn, and Columbia.
This is not the first time serious allegations have been made against a head coach under athletic director Scott Stricklin’s watch. Women’s basketball coach Cam Newbauer resigned in 2021 amid abuse allegations, while women’s soccer coach Tony Amato was fired in 2022 over comments and behavior related to players’ eating habits and body shapes.
The investigation into Todd Golden’s conduct adds to the list of controversies surrounding the athletic department at the University of Florida. The outcome of the Title IX investigation will have significant implications for both Golden and the university, as they navigate these serious allegations.
